The mathematics named option programs allow students to develop a deep understanding of how the subject relates to other areas of human inquiry. The requirements for these programs feature mathematics courses with topics inspired by and commonly applied to problems in these associated fields. Though often paired with a second major in a related area, these programs function well alone and are suited to any mathematics student with a variety of interests. Students interested in a named option program are recommended to meet with an advisor to navigate the various plans and courses available to them. Advising information can be found on the BA or BS pages.

The named options do not support honors in the major.

The Mathematics Major with Economics and Finance focus requires 10 distinct courses for at least 30 credits as described below.  Note that while some courses may be used to fulfill more than one requirement it is still considered only a single course and may only contribute once to the total course count.  Finally, at most one course from each of the following groupings may be used to fulfill the minimum course and credit requirement (i.e.: minimum of ten courses and at least 30 credits): Intro Linear Algebra (MATH 320MATH 340MATH 341MATH 375), Intro Differential Equations (MATH 319MATH 320 or MATH 376), and Intro Probability (MATH/​STAT  309 or MATH/​STAT  431).

Core Math Requirement (minimum of six distinct MATH courses for at least 18 credits) 1
Linear Algebra3-5
Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra
Linear Algebra
Topics in Multi-Variable Calculus and Linear Algebra
Differential equations 0-5
Techniques in Ordinary Differential Equations
Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
Applied Mathematical Analysis
Topics in Multi-Variable Calculus and Differential Equations
Applied Dynamical Systems, Chaos and Modeling
Ordinary Differential Equations
Intermediate Mathematics Requirement (complete at least one)0-6
Applied Mathematical Analysis
and Applied Mathematical Analysis
Linear Algebra
Topics in Multi-Variable Calculus and Linear Algebra
The Theory of Single Variable Calculus
Analysis Requirement3
Analysis I
Electives to reach required six courses for at least 18 credits of MATH6-9
At least one course must be selected from:
Numerical Linear Algebra
Numerical Analysis
Ordinary Differential Equations
Analysis II
Linear Optimization
Probability Theory
Mathematical Methods in Data Science
Linear Algebra II
Stochastic Methods for Biology
Analysis of Partial Differential Equations
Introduction to Fourier Analysis
Introduction to Measure and Integration
Introduction to Stochastic Processes
An Introduction to Brownian Motion and Stochastic Calculus
Remaining courses/credits may be from:
Introduction to Probability and Mathematical Statistics II
Applied Mathematical Analysis
Applied Mathematical Analysis
Applied Dynamical Systems, Chaos and Modeling
The Theory of Single Variable Calculus
Introduction to Combinatorial Optimization
Introduction to the Theory of Probability
Introduction to Probability and Mathematical Statistics I
Applied Linear Algebra
Introduction to Combinatorics
Economics/Finance Requirement (Four Courses distinct from the above for at least 12 credits) 1
Select one of the following introductory sequences:6-8
Intermediate Microeconomic Theory - Advanced Treatment
and Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory - Advanced Treatment
Intermediate Microeconomic Theory
and Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory
Introduction to Finance
and Investment Theory
Economics/Finance Elective (choose at least two) 26-8
Introduction to Applied Econometrics
Introductory Econometrics
Economic Decision Analysis
The Financial System
Analytical Public Finance
Macroeconomic Policy
Human Resources and Economic Growth
Wages and the Labor Market
The Economic Approach to Human Behavior
Behavioral Economics
Industrial Structure and Competitive Strategy
Economic Forecasting
International Macroeconomics
International Trade
Industrial Organization and Imperfect Competition
Economics of Growth
Markets with Frictions
Game Theory and Economic Analysis
Quantitative Methods in Agricultural and Applied Economics
Issues in International Trade
Issues in International Finance
Financial Markets, Institutions and Economic Activity
Corporation Finance
Derivative Securities
Fixed Income Securities
Multinational Business Finance
Total Credits30

RESIDENCE AND QUALITY OF WORK

  • 2.000 GPA on all MATH courses and courses eligible for the major.3
  • 2.000 GPA on at least 15 credits of upper level credit in the major.4
  • 15 credits in MATH in the major taken on the UW-Madison campus.5

footnotes

1

Some courses which follow may have prerequisites outside of the courses approved for this named option.

2

Any MATH course from the elective list above may be used in lieu of any of the following courses.

3

This includes any MATH courses (and those cross-listed with MATH) regardless of appearing in the tables above as well as only those non-MATH courses which are explicitly listed in the tables above.

4

This includes any MATH courses (and those cross-listed with MATH) numbered 307 and above, regardless of appearing in the tables above, as well as only those non-MATH course explicitly listed in the tables above which carry the advanced LAS designation.

5

This includes any MATH courses (and courses cross-listed with MATH) numbered 307 and above regardless of appearing in the tables above.

Sample Four-Year Plan

This Sample Four-Year Plan is a tool to assist students and their advisor(s). Students should use it—along with their DARS report, the Degree Planner, and Course Search & Enroll tools—to make their own four-year plan based on their placement scores, credit for transferred courses and approved examinations, and individual interests. As students become involved in athletics, honors, research, student organizations, study abroad, volunteer experiences, and/or work, they might adjust the order of their courses to accommodate these experiences. Students will likely revise their own four-year plan several times during college.

In general, your four year plan in mathematics should be organized along the following sequence: 1) Calculus, 2) Linear Algebra, 3) Required Intermediate level course, 4) Additional intermediate level courses as needed, 5) Required advanced level course, 6) Additional advanced level courses.

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 2215MATH 2224
Literature Breadth3Literature Breadth3
Communication A3Ethnic Studies3
Foreign Language if required4Foreign Language (if required)4
 15 14
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 23414MATH Linear Algebra3
Humanities Breadth3MATH Differential Equations3
Communication B3-5Humanities Breadth3
Physical Science Breadth3Physical Science Breadth3
Elective3Elective3
 16-18 15
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH Required Intermediate Course3MATH Elective3
Economics/ Finance intro course 13-4Economics/Finance intro course 23-4
Biological Sciences Breadth3Biological Sciences Breadth3
Social Science Breadth3Physical Science Breadth3
Elective3Elective3
 15-16 15-16
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 5213Advanced MATH Elective3
Econ/Finance Elective3-4Econ/Finance elective3-4
Social Science Breadth3Social Science Breadth3
Elective3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
 15-16 15-16
Total Credits 120-126

Students must declare a major by the time they reach Senior standing (86 credits).

Please refer to the Requirements tab in Guide for additional College of Letters & Science Breadth and Degree Requirements as well as Residence and Quality of Work requirements for the major.

1

Students should declare the math major upon successful completion of this course